An affordable, practical city car ideal for urban commuters and first-time buyers. The 1.0 MPi naturally aspirated engine is simple and reliable, though modest in power. Kia's 7-year warranty offers peace of mind. Common issues are minor: clutch cables, door rattles, and rear brake humming. Only 6% of owners reported problems in reliability surveys. Avoid short-trip-only cars to prevent battery drain and check for the September 2018 fuel filler neck recall completion.
Expected Annual Maintenance Costs
€600 - €1,050/year
15,000 km/year
Fixed costs
€450-750
Risk buffer
€150-300
What Can Break
bars = likelihood
Clutch cable failure€150 - €350
Cables snap or stretch, causing stiff pedal or gear selection issues · more· less
Multiple Picanto owners report clutch cable failures, sometimes repeatedly after replacement. Symptoms include a very stiff clutch pedal, difficulty getting into gear (especially 1st and reverse), or the cable snapping entirely. Manual transmission models particularly affected. The cable costs approximately €50-80, with labor adding €100-270 depending on accessibility. Premature clutch wear has also been reported on some examples, with clutches needing replacement as early as 60,000-80,000 km if driven aggressively or in heavy traffic. Full clutch kit replacement ranges €400-750 including labor at independent garages.
Battery drain / electrical issues€80 - €250
Battery dies after a few days parked, parasitic drain from multimedia system · more· less
Instances of unexpected battery drainage have been reported on 2017-2019 Picantos, even in newer models. Common cause is parasitic draw from the multimedia system (1.5 amps when car is off, dropping to 0.14 amps when multimedia fuse removed). Other causes include faulty door switches leaving dome lights on, trunk release switches stuck, and in some cases defective factory batteries with self-draining cells. Battery replacement under warranty typically covered if within 24 months. New battery costs €80-150; alternator replacement if faulty runs €400-600 including labor.
Rear brake humming noise€200 - €450
Manufacturing fault causes humming from rear brakes after 20+ miles driving · more· less
A well-documented issue where rear brakes emit a humming noise after extended driving (typically after 20+ miles). Linked to manufacturing faults in brake components. Cleaning and refitting rear brakes temporarily resolves it but problem returns. Official Kia technical repair involves skimming rear discs (approximately €200-300), or replacing with modified brake pads and damper assembly kit (€300-450). Most common on early 2017-2018 models. Check with Kia dealer for updated parts availability.
Door rattles€50 - €200
Rattles from door cards and trim, especially on base models with plastic bevels · more· less
Entry-level Picantos have narrow plastic bevels (2-3mm) around door card interfaces, and as doors loosen slightly with age, rattles develop. Some 2018 GT Line models report irritating buzz from B-pillar area. Right-hand drive models may have fuel flap release cable rattling along floor undertray. Weather strip vibration can also cause noise. Solutions include adding felt tape/adhesive to door card interfaces (DIY €10-30), or dealer door trim replacement (€150-200 including labor). Check if window channel rubber needs lubrication on B-pillar.
Suspension bushing wear / creaking€150 - €400
Anti-roll bar and suspension bushes dry out, causing creaking over bumps · more· less
Suspension and anti-roll bar rubber bushings dry out over time, particularly on cars driven primarily in dry climates. Symptoms include creaking or squeaking noises when going over speed bumps, humps, or uneven roads. Sound may temporarily disappear after driving through puddles but returns once dried. Silicon spray on bushes provides temporary relief. Full replacement of worn bushings costs €150-250 for parts, €150-200 labor. Front suspension bushings typically wear faster than rear. Some owners successfully DIY this repair.
Air conditioning failure€300 - €1,200
Refrigerant leaks from condenser, compressor failures on 2017-2019 models · more· less
Minor air conditioning issues reported on early models. Most common: tiny holes in condenser from stone impacts causing R1234yf refrigerant leaks (this newer refrigerant diffuses faster than old R134). Condenser replacement costs €400-600 including refrigerant recharge. Compressor failures also reported - one 2017 JA Picanto needed new compressor. Full AC compressor replacement including required dryer and system flush runs €800-1,200. Dirty cabin air filter (€20-40 to replace) can reduce AC efficiency before larger repairs needed.
4-speed automatic shows hard shifting, jerking, or thud when warm · more· less
The 4-speed automatic/AMT gearbox in Picanto is generally reliable, but some owners report temperature-related issues. After 10+ miles or in stop-start traffic, transmission may produce a "thud" when pulling away, or harsh shifting. Some cases resolved with transmission oil change (€150-250). Worn torque converter or internal components may require full gearbox service (€800-1,500) or in worst case replacement (€2,000-2,500). Manual gearbox models significantly more reliable. What Car survey: only 6% of Picantos had issues, primarily gearbox/clutch related.
Exhaust corrosion (northern climates)€250 - €600
Exhaust system rusts particularly in regions with road salt use · more· less
Older Picantos prone to exhaust system corrosion, particularly in harsh weather regions with high road salt use. Kia warns that corrosive de-icing materials can accelerate rusting of underbody parts including exhaust. Check for rust perforation around exhaust mounts, mid-section, and rear silencer. Rear section replacement costs €200-350; full exhaust system €450-600 at independent garage. Stainless steel aftermarket options available for better longevity. Most common on cars 6+ years old in northern European climates.
Very reliable for a budget city car
The Picanto JA scores 93% reliability rating and only 6% of owners report problems. Most issues are minor nuisances rather than catastrophic failures. The simple 1.0 MPi engine is robust with no complex turbochargers or timing belts to worry about. Manual gearbox versions are significantly more dependable than automatics. Excellent choice for budget-conscious buyers seeking low running costs.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Service history
Complete service records essential. Verify oil changes at 15,000 km intervals. Kia 7-year warranty requires dealer servicing.
Tires
Check tread depth, age, uneven wear. GT-Line models use 195/45 R16; base models 165/60 R14.
Cold start
Engine should start smoothly without hesitation. Listen for unusual noises or rough idling.
Body condition
Check for rust around wheel arches, underbody, and exhaust (especially if from northern climate with road salt).
Test drive
Minimum 20 minutes including varied speeds to warm up gearbox and check all systems.
Specific for this vehicle
Test clutch operation (manual models)
Pedal should be smooth with consistent resistance. Try all gears including reverse. Excessive stiffness or difficulty selecting gears indicates cable or clutch wear.
Check for battery drain
Ask seller if car has been sitting unused. Request cold start after car sat overnight. Battery should hold charge for at least 7-10 days.
Listen for rear brake humming
Drive for 20+ miles then listen for humming noise from rear wheels. Common manufacturing fault.
Check for door and interior rattles
Drive over speed bumps and rough roads. Listen for rattles from doors, B-pillar, dashboard. Minor but irritating on affected cars.
Test air conditioning thoroughly
AC should blow cold air within 30 seconds. Listen for compressor noise. Check for refrigerant smell (sweet/chemical) indicating leaks.
Verify fuel filler neck recall completed
September 2018 recall for cracking rubber hoses. Contact Kia with VIN to verify completion.
Check suspension for creaking
Go over speed bumps slowly. Front suspension should be silent. Creaking indicates dried-out bushings.
Test automatic gearbox thoroughly (if equipped)
Drive for 15+ minutes to warm transmission. Feel for jerky shifts, hesitation, or "thud" when pulling away from stops.
Rear brake humming noise TSBModified pads/damper kit available
Contact Kia with VIN to verify fuel filler neck recall completion (approximately 6,000 Picantos affected). For rear brake humming, ask dealer if modified brake pad kit has been installed.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty7 years / 150,000 km
Clutch coverage2 years / 20,000 km only
12V battery coverage2 years from registration
Paintwork warranty5 years / 150,000 km
Kia's 7-year warranty is one of the best in the industry, but requires servicing at Kia dealerships to remain valid. Clutch and battery have limited coverage (2 years only). Warranty is transferable to subsequent owners. Check with Kia dealer if warranty is still active on used examples.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.